Environment Minister Mick Gentleman said carp were "Australia's worst introduced freshwater fish" and dominated the Murray-Darling Basin waterways.  

"Carp muddy the water through their bottom-feeding behaviour, which has flow-on effects for plants, invertebrates, other fish, and bird life," Mr Gentleman said.

"Carp also affect all water users, including irrigators, local communities and those who use our waterways for recreation."

The Canberra release of the carp virus, cyprinid herpesvirus 3, is part of a national carp control plan to release the virus nationwide.

The carp virus was already used in 33 countries with no evidence of the carp or any fish virus causing disease in humans, Mr Gentleman said.

CSIRO scientists had researched and tested the virus over the past decade and were "very confident" it virus was specific to carp and would not cause disease in any other fish, animals or humans.

Mr Gentleman said the government had established a taskforce to consider specific risks in the ACT.  

The government is holding a briefing for the public on February 19, one of 40 meetings being held in carp-affected areas in Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.

Release of the virus would need commonwealth environmental approvals and approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, as well as national agreements on implementation and funding. This would happen in late 2019.

"Release is also contingent on a comprehensive plan being in place for infecting the carp, the clean-up of dead fish," he said.

The virus damages the kidneys, skin and gills of carp. It multiplies for seven to 12 days after infection, killing fish within 24 hours of signs of illness developing.

The public briefing is at the Ainslie Football Club, February 19, 6-8pm.